Across Japan, the number of cafés staying open past midnight—known as “Nighttime Crying Cafés”—is on the rise. These establishments are opening their doors to parents who are struggling to cope alone with their crying infants during the night.

For mothers in particular, these cafés are becoming a rare sanctuary during what is often the loneliest time of day.

The concept of the “Nighttime Crying Café” is not, in fact, new; readers were first introduced to the idea nearly a decade ago through an online comic. At the time, the concept resonated deeply with readers.

Now, inspired by that original idea, such cafés are becoming a reality through small, community-based initiatives—and they are garnering an enthusiastic response across the country.

The individual who originally conceived the idea admits that they initially harbored doubts about whether such a concept could ever be realized in the real world. However, seeing people now taking the initiative to make it happen, they feel greatly encouraged.

One night in January, in the town of Memuro in Japan’s northern region of Hokkaido, a faint light could be seen glowing from a café near the train station—even though it was well past 9:00 PM, a time when the shop would typically be closed on a Sunday. Yet, even at that late hour, the shop remained open; inside, a mother dressed in comfortable attire could be seen resting peacefully with her child.

It was later revealed that, since October of last year, the shop has been staying open every Sunday night from 9:00 PM until 6:00 AM the following morning. During these hours, the shop’s management welcomes mothers who are struggling to cope with their children’s crying during the night—and offers this service completely free of charge.

The shop’s owner is 28-year-old Madoka Nozawa. She has named her establishment “Wako no Koya,” which translates to “The House for Parents and Children.”

A 34-year-old woman visited the café with her two daughters, aged one and six. She mentioned that she is currently on maternity leave.

“Coming here brings me a sense of mental relief,” the woman said. “It gives me the opportunity to talk to someone, and offers my mind a much-needed moment of rest.”